Dunlop Direzza DZ102 review

What is it?

The Dunlop Direzza DZ102 is an ultra high performance summer tire designed sport-oriented coupes and sedans, and sports cars. 

While still offering plenty of on-road performance, the Direzza DZ102 is positioned as a more relaxed, slightly less performance-oriented tire as compared to max performance summer tires.

Strengths and weaknesses?

The predecessor to the Direzza DZ102, the Direzza DZ101, was pretty humdrum. No standout qualities, but decent in the dry, arguably adequate in the wet, and with acceptable comfort characteristics.

There are numerous indications that notable improvements have been made with the Direzza DZ102. Dry and wet traction are now markedly above average. Comfort characteristics have advanced as well. In fact, the Direzza DZ102 may be the quietest tire in the ultra high performance summer category.
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How does the Direzza DZ102 compare?

The Direzza DZ102 ranks second in class out of seventeen tires per user rankings, but it should be noted that it's a young tire, and feedback is comparatively limited.

In 2014 comparison testing, the conclusions were not indicative of a top level ultra high performance summer tire. Tire Rack test drivers found that the Direzza DZ102 fell notably short of contemporaries when it comes to overall traction in the dry and wet. Ultimately they deemed the Direzza DZ102 "An Ultra High Performance Summer option that doesn't stand out from the crowd."

This sort of discrepancy between objective testing and user results is not altogether uncommon. Generally speaking, users come to appreciate tire characteristics that are not particularly relevant in outright performance testing. Lack of road noise and overall comfort, for example. Along with solid performance, the comfort characteristic alone has won over many Direzza DZ102 users. Not to mention, the Direzza DZ102 has affordability on its side (see below). 

Save 5% on the Dunlop Direzza DZ102 with order code
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Some use restrictions may apply.

Direzza DZ102 Warranty?

- Treadlife Warranty: None.
- Uniformity Warranty: 1 year, first 2/32" of wear.

Anything else to know?

It's still a bit too early to reach a definitive conclusion on the Direzza DZ102. But indications are that it's emerging as a legitimate alternative to proven category tires like the BF Goodrich g-Force Sport COMP-2 and Bridgestone RE760 Sport.

So while it's not a tire that wins you over with sheer capabilities and standout talents, the Direzza DZ102 is a good overall choice. 

Also, the Direzza DZ102 is one of the more affordable high quality options in the category. On both a performance and affordability basis, the Direzza DZ102 is worth a look.

Before you buy...

Jump over to our Tire Deals section to take advantage of available tire coupons and rebates. Also, review our important Pre-Purchase Checklist for Tires to make sure you purchase a tire that fits your needs.

Dunlop Direzza DZ102